Dr Ken Thomas retires after 36 years of teaching

Published: 25 September 2013

Staff and students gathered today for a reception to celebrate the contribution to the University of Southampton and to Electronics and Computer Science of Dr Ken Thomas, who is retiring after 36 years as a member of the University’s academic staff.

Ken recalled his first day in the University in 1977 when he arrived from Oxford University to teach in the Department of Mathematics. Among the people he met that day was Wendy Hall, at that time a PhD student in Mathematics, who later moved with Ken to the newly formed Department of Electronics and Computer Science in 1986. Ken recalled those early days of computing and the contrast with the huge power and availability of computer services today. During his time in ECS Ken has taught many generations of students, as well as members of the academic and professorial staff in ECS. After retirement, Ken will continue his renowned teaching of Databases!

Professor Michael Butler, Head of the Electronic and Software Systems research group in ECS, paid tribute to Ken’s long service to ECS and to his other roles in the University, including dedicated service as University Marshal at Graduation ceremonies. Staff from ECS were joined at the reception by members of the Mathematics department, ISVR, the ORC and Engineering and the Environment.